Burton leads in Executive Council race

MILTON — Preliminary results showed Republican incumbent Ray Burton in the lead for the Executive Council District 1 seat, over his democratic opponent Beth Funicella.

According to preliminary tallies, Burton had 967 votes in Milton compared to Funicella's 853, 382 in Middleton compared to Funicella's 309 and in Wakefield, 1,351 to 827. In New Durham, Burton had 782 votes and Funicella had 544. In Alton, Burton had 2,004 votes, and Funicella had 906.

The two major party candidates also faced Libertarian candidate Howard Wilson, who took 148 votes in Milton and 135 in Wakefield, for a point of comparison. WMUR reported Wilson had 5 percent of the vote by the end of election night.

Burton, 73, of Bath, is an adjunct professor at Springfield College in Vermont. He previously told Foster's he wishes to be re-elected to ensure more people are involved in state government. He strives to make the state congressional delegation “do more for northern New Hampshire towns, cities and counties.” He is also strongly supportive of the hospitality, tourist and outdoor recreation industry.

Funicella, 57, of Jackson, has lived in the area for 17 years and told previously Foster's she wishes to run in the general election to offer voters “an alternative.”

Wilson, 65, of Andover, has served on the Andover Budget Committee and worked as a town selectman and town employee. Wilson said he would bring to the position a fresh perspective, working to “cut back the size of state government.” He told Foster's he is also running on the Libertarian ticket to bring more awareness to third party candidates.

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